At the initiative of the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur and supported by Corsica Ferries, starting January 18, 2020, the port of Nice will exceed the national standards in force regarding ferry fuels by switching to 0.1% sulfur content. The Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, with the support of Corsica Ferries, is going even further!
The 0.1% sulfur fuel offers several advantages that directly protect the health of the population and improve air quality and quality of life by reducing emissions of sulfur, particles, and microparticles that can be inhaled; it limits olfactory nuisances and the so-called “acid” rains that contribute to the acidification of oceans affecting marine fauna and flora.
Alongside Pierre Mattei, CEO of Corsica Ferries, the port of Nice becomes one of the pioneering ports on the Mediterranean front in the fight against atmospheric emissions.
Corsica Ferries, for their part, after reducing the number of journeys, optimizing the speed of its ferries, and docking times, is now investing in new marine fuels to reduce air pollution. The company plans to convert four ships for a hybrid LNG-methanol propulsion by 2024 and to receive a new dual-fuel vessel, capable of being powered by LNG, in 2023.
In 2020, 240 stopovers are scheduled. All will be done with 0.1% sulfur fuel! The cost of this fuel change amounts to 1,000 euros per stopover with a contribution of 650 euros from the Métropole and 350 euros from Corsica Ferries.
The signatories of this agreement do not hide their satisfaction.
For Christian Estrosi, Mayor of Nice, “Switching to 0.1% sulfur fuel is a crucial step. It is the most immediate and relevant solution to address the environmental challenges of the Port of Nice, where ferry stopovers are systematically less than two hours.”
For his part, Pierre Mattei, CEO of Corsica Ferries commented: “This early switch to 0.1%, an advancement co-constructed with the CCI and the Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur, is a strong marker in this historic port for Corsica Ferries: it lays the foundation for a future SECA zone in the Mediterranean.”
New projects are underway for a better quality of life and to protect the environment of the Port of Nice: From 2021, small and medium-sized cruise ships and large pleasure ships will be able to benefit from shore power connections. A feasibility and opportunity study is underway. The project management contract will be launched in summer 2020. Shore power connection, already possible for yachts with a capacity of 1,200 amps, allows for the complete elimination of SO2, NO2, CO2 emissions, and fine particles. As part of the Zero Smoke Stopovers Plan, the Region Sud and its President Renaud Muselier have committed to financing the majority of the necessary work.
